Hili Forum speakers highlight UAE's economic resilience and growing global role

Abu Dhabi: Participants in a main session on the opening day of Hili Forum 2026 highlighted the UAE's economic resilience and ability to adapt to global changes and crises, emphasising that advanced infrastructure, clear legislation and a flexible economic model have strengthened the country's position as a trusted destination for investment, energy, technology and data. The session, titled 'A New Geoeconomic Reality: The Gulf and the World in an Era of Transformations', focused on the Gulf's evolving role in the global economy amid geopolitical, economic and technological shifts. Participants noted that recent global developments have reinforced the Gulf region's importance not only as a major energy producer but also as a centre for infrastructure, investment, technology and artificial intelligence. Confidence and resilience Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said the flexibility of the UAE's economic system and its ability to adapt to change have strengthened global confidence in the country. He added that businesses and institutions operating in the UAE play an important role in maintaining that confidence. Al Obaidli said regional security is closely linked to the resilience of infrastructure and systems, noting that infrastructure must be designed to ensure business continuity and rapid response during crises. He pointed to investments of around AED300 billion in water and electricity systems, with expectations of attracting approximately AED10 billion in foreign investment annually. Energy and infrastructure Al Obaidli said the Gulf remains a major global energy hub, stressing that the future of the energy sector depends not only on production but also on infrastructure capable of supporting diverse energy sources and ensuring continuity. He noted that the UAE began investing in renewable energy in 2006 as part of a vision aimed at transforming the country from a hydrocarbon producer into a global centre for diversified and sustainable energy. He added that the continuity and clarity of legislation remain among the most important factors supporting investment attraction and have helped strengthen the UAE's position as an international hub for data and technology-related investments. Gulf's global importance Dr Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation in India, said recent developments have highlighted the Gulf's pivotal role in the global economy. He said the impact of the region extends beyond energy to investments, supply chains and development projects in different parts of the world, including Africa. Saran noted that the current crisis has shown that there is "more than one Gulf", referring to the diverse partnerships and relationships linking Gulf countries with different global powers. He also highlighted the depth of ties between India and the UAE and said the current crisis could lead to new regional arrangements emerging in the future. Energy security and artificial intelligence Saran stressed that energy security depends on reliable suppliers and secure trade corridors capable of ensuring uninterrupted energy flows. He said that despite progress in alternative energy technologies, many economies, including India, continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels. Saran added that artificial intelligence has become one of the most significant drivers of economic growth, requiring specialised AI centres and the infrastructure needed to support and secure digital operations. He said the UAE's advanced artificial intelligence infrastructure enhances its attractiveness as a destination for investment in the sector. Global interdependence Robert Vass, Founder and President of Globsec in Slovakia, said ongoing conflicts cannot be viewed as isolated regional events, describing them as crises with global implications. He said recent developments have demonstrated the extent of global interconnectedness and highlighted the strategic importance of Gulf security. Vass added that Europe is reassessing its energy security framework following its previous dependence on Russian oil and gas, and said the UAE can play an important role in supporting Europe's energy transition. He described the UAE as an important partner in the emerging global energy system due to its infrastructure and energy capabilities. Strong economic performance Dr Ralf Wiegert, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Economic Forecasting Team at S&P Global in Germany, said the UAE economy had demonstrated significant resilience during recent crises. He said economic indicators and surveys point to continued strength in the UAE economy, reflecting high levels of confidence. Wiegert expressed confidence in the UAE's growth prospects for the coming year, noting that the country's economic model is based on flexibility and adaptability. He added that the UAE has established itself as a reliable partner in energy supply and international economic cooperation, supp